Killdeer
Image: Rain Hong (cc-by-nc)
NameKilldeer
Common NameKilldeer
Scientific NameCharadrius vociferus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)47
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)85
Plumage DetailsBrown back and wings, white belly, and two distinct black bands across the white chest. The head is white with a black forehead band and a dark eye surrounded by a reddish-orange eye-ring. A bright reddish-orange rump is visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallLoud, piercing, and often repeated 'kill-deer' or 'dee-dee-dee' calls, especially when disturbed or in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland, urban, agricultural, beach
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North and South America, breeding from Alaska and Canada south through the U.S. and Mexico, and wintering south to northern South America.
Identifying Featurestwo black breast bands, loud 'kill-deer' call, broken-wing display, reddish-orange rump (in flight), large dark eye with orange eye-ring
Description
The Killdeer is a medium-sized shorebird easily recognized by its two prominent black breast bands. It is known for its distinctive 'kill-deer' call and its 'broken-wing' distraction display to lure predators away from its nest.
